Healthy Living • YMCA Health and Fitness
Why sleeping is better than cramming
02 April 2016 - by Nicole Meredith
Planning to pull all-nighters until exam season is finally over? If you want good grades, you should probably re-think that strategy.
Research shows a good night’s sleep improves your memory, helps you learn new skills, facilitates retention of new information, boosts creativity, lengthens your attention span, and keeps stress at bay.
1. Get into a sleep schedule
It’s tempting to stay up until you’ve re-read all your notes or finished your last problem set, but sleeping in the next day disrupts your body’s internal clock. In order to feel and perform at your best, you need to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Plan when you need to wake up to get to your earliest class on time, and set your alarm for that same time seven days a week.
2. Take time to unwind
Falling asleep at a reasonable hour can be tough, especially if you’re stressing about upcoming finals. In the half-hour before your new scheduled bedtime, do things that help you unwind. Reading, meditating, and journaling are good options that can help take your mind off a stressful day.
3. Go off the grid
Keep your 30 minutes of relaxation time free from electronics. Research shows the light from your computer, cellphone, iPad, and television stimulates your brain, making you feel more alert and awake. Make your bedroom an electronics-free zone, and power down all your gadgets at least 30 minutes before you head to bed.
In the end, taking time to get some rest will render your study sessions more productive. Don’t lose sleep this exam season - cash in on its benefits!
Research shows a good night’s sleep improves your memory, helps you learn new skills, facilitates retention of new information, boosts creativity, lengthens your attention span, and keeps stress at bay.
Here’s how you can make sure you get the shut-eye you need to keep a high GPA:
1. Get into a sleep schedule
It’s tempting to stay up until you’ve re-read all your notes or finished your last problem set, but sleeping in the next day disrupts your body’s internal clock. In order to feel and perform at your best, you need to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Plan when you need to wake up to get to your earliest class on time, and set your alarm for that same time seven days a week.
2. Take time to unwind
Falling asleep at a reasonable hour can be tough, especially if you’re stressing about upcoming finals. In the half-hour before your new scheduled bedtime, do things that help you unwind. Reading, meditating, and journaling are good options that can help take your mind off a stressful day.
3. Go off the grid
Keep your 30 minutes of relaxation time free from electronics. Research shows the light from your computer, cellphone, iPad, and television stimulates your brain, making you feel more alert and awake. Make your bedroom an electronics-free zone, and power down all your gadgets at least 30 minutes before you head to bed.
In the end, taking time to get some rest will render your study sessions more productive. Don’t lose sleep this exam season - cash in on its benefits!
